Welcome to Higginson Strategy’s weekly round-up of international news relating to plastic pollution.
This week, Greenpeace International found that even ‘microwave safe’ plastic containers can release microplastics into meals. An audit in Nigeria identified multinational beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé, contribute significantly to plastic packaging pollution. The European Commission has officially exempted businesses that use pallet wrappings and straps from the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s 100 percent reuse requirements. A new study by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia has found plastic pollution is reaching shark eggs before they hatch. Finally, researchers at the University of Manchester challenged misleading language around plastic waste solutions.
New study warns even ‘microwave safe’ plastic containers can release microplastics into meals
According to a new study by Greenpeace International, microwaving a ready meal in its plastic tray can release thousands of microscopic plastic particles into the food within minutes even when the packaging is labelled “microwave-safe”.
The report states that heat can trigger the release of both microplastics and nanoplastics, particles so small they are invisible to the naked eye. It also releases chemicals like bisphenols and phthalates used in plastic manufacturing which research links to hormone disruption, infertility and certain cancers.
Read more here.
Multinational beverage giants behind Nigeria’s plastic waste crisis
A new audit in Nigeria has identified multinational beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé as major contributors to plastic packaging pollution. The audit has found that sachet packaging for beverages, plastic bottles, and plastic bags are the most common plastic waste items.
The NCF calls for a mandatory plastic bag levy and advocates for policies to reduce single-use plastic waste and support the circular economy.
Read more here.
Pallet wrappings and straps officially exempt from EU PPWR reuse targets
The European Commission has officially exempted businesses that use pallet wrappings and straps from the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s 100 percent reuse requirements, citing ‘disproportionate’ costs and supply chain impacts.
From 1st January 2030, the Regulation will set a 40 percent reuse quota for all transport packaging delivered cross-border between economic operators; this includes pallets, foldable plastic boxes, intermediate bulk containers, pails, drums, and canisters.
Read more here.
Plastic Pollution Is Reaching Sharks Before They Hatch
A new study by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia has documented microplastics inside mermaid’s purses, the protective egg cases that shield developing shark embryos from the outside world until they are ready to hatch.
It should be noted that this research does not claim that microplastics are definitively causing developmental harm in these species; instead, it provides evidence of a huge red flag that is waving right under our noses. Once we know a contaminant is present, we can begin to test its physiological and ecological effects.
Read more here.
Researchers challenge misleading language around plastic waste solutions
A paper published by The University of Manchester explores the consequences of terminology choices on end-of-life solutions for plastic waste. While recycling has long been touted as a solution for plastic sustainability, it comes in many forms and can sometimes serve as a smokescreen for genuine discussions around sustainability.
The researchers found directional terms such as “upcycling” and “downcycling” to be poorly defined as value propositions, and that their use can skew perceptions of the benefits, potentially posing a barrier to circularity.
Read more here.